DOUGLAS DONALD J #2

CW2 Donald J. Douglas was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 05/03/2015 at the age of 68.8 from Heart attack
Temecula, CA
Flight Classes 68-503 and 68-1
Date of Birth 07/04/1946
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 117 AHC in 68-69
Call sign in Vietnam WARLORD 15
This information was provided by Rodney Packwood

More detail on this person: Donald John Douglas JR was the first child born on the 4th of July 1946 in Lakewood, CA, and except for his military service, he lived in California his whole life. He thought he had the greatest childhood, growing up with siblings and cousins and great aunts and uncles, when coastal California still was a collage of sleepy beach towns, and life in post WW2 America was prosperous and promising. He was looking forward to attending his 50th Reunion at Savanna High School in Anaheim next month.

During the Viet Nam War, he joined the Army, serving proudly as a helicopter pilot. Flying Cobra gunships was considered an honor, because these were usually the best pilots. As "Warlord 15" with the 117th Assault Helicopter Company, he qualified, and flew several missions in Cobras, but shortly, their unit reorganized and he was assigned to a Huey UH-1B,( with Annie Fanny on the nose) and immediately knew he was called to be a Rescuer. Returning to the States, he trained other helicopter pilots facing service in Viet Nam, and later flew with the National Guard.

After the Army, he co-owned a recreational vehicle service and supply business with his father in Orange County, did international trade with the People's Republic of China, and owned a small fast food restaurant. But above it all, he was called to serve God. First as an Elder, then as a Pastor, his heart was always inclined toward loving God's flock. His 35 plus years in Men's Ministry meant more to him than his Distinguished Flying Cross, and he was with his men when that big heart betrayed him.

He could fly anything with rotors or propellers (actually, we went gliding together, and that craft had neither), drive anything he could fit those long legs into (he owned 5 fire trucks, but we wouldn't let him have a tank!), fix anything that was broken, teach anyone who would listen.

He loved to fly. Flying was pretty much his only passion, until he met and married Linda. On March 1st, 1975, he said "I do" to not just a bride, but to 3 small children as well. Throughout the years, he considered raising and loving them his greatest joy and proudest achievement, and more recently thrilled at watching his 6 grandchildren grow, knowing they would be his legacy, and just enjoying being "Grandpa."

He leaves his wife of 40 years, Linda, children Tiffany (Shaun) Henderson, Troy (Kate) Farr, and Traci (Michael) Blanton, grandchildren Austin, Emily, Garrett, Rachel, Brooke and Paige, sister Suzann Bowers, brother Greg Douglas, and so many others.

He loved his wife, his family, his friends, his country and his Lord, and faithfully served them all. He was a man of character, of humility, of integrity: a truly good man. He was our hero. He was the best of us. He just left us far too soon.

Burial: Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA, US, 92518

This information was last updated 07/10/2016

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Date posted on this site: 08/31/2024


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